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Cold Water Works Just as Well

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:47:13 -0700

Germs are everywhere. Swine flu, regular flu, our homes, the gym - there's no escaping the little buggers. One of the best ways to protect yourself is still the easiest: wash those hands! If you're like me, you probably believe that the hotter the water, the better. Not so, says a recent study.

Conducted by scientists with the Joint Bank Group/Fund Health Services Department, the study looked at the bacteria levels of participants after they washed their hands in different water temperatures. The results showed no difference in levels between participants who washed their hands in hot water versus those who washed in cold. The scientists went on to say that tepid water is a better choice for hand washing because it's gentler on the skin and it's better for the environment.

I think it'll take me a little while to adjust to this change - something about washing my hands in hot water just feels safer. When you do wash up, though, make sure you always use soap and lather up for at least 30 seconds.

Bacteria Spewing From Your Shower Head?

FitSugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:15:26 -0700

A nice refreshing shower after a workout is one of life's little pleasures. Well it used to be. New research shows that disease-causing bacteria is living in your shower head. So when you hop in the shower, the bacteria comes out in water droplets that spray on your face, in your mouth, and all over your body. Um, gross.

When 45 shower heads were tested in homes, 20 percent of them housed significant levels of Mycobacterium avium, bacteria linked to pulmonary disease that most often infects people with weakened immune systems. The pathogens are not only in the water, but they can become suspended in the air so as you breathe, they get drawn deep into your lungs.

Forgoing the showering is obviously not the answer, so what you can do is regularly remove your shower head and thoroughly disinfect it. Also, if your shower head is plastic, switch it out for a metal one since microbes attach more easily to plastic.

I'm definitely going to pass this info onto my gym, since I doubt they ever clean their shower heads. On second thought, I think I'll shower at home from now on. What about you?

Bacteria: The Good, the Bad, and Your Nose

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 03:00:00 -0700

The largest organ of the body, your skin, is awash with bacteria. If that isn't enough to make your skin crawl, there are 44 species of bacteria that make their home on your forearm flesh alone.

If you think of the body as different ecological environments, the forearm is a dry desert to the rain forest of the armpit. While moist regions create more types of bacteria, these armpit species differ greatly from the ones teeming on your forearm. Surprisingly, the most scolded to scrub area, behind the ears, harbors only 19 varieties of bacteria, not a diverse ecosystem.

See why having a multitude of bacteria is a good thing when you read more.

Scientists at the National Institute of Health, who recently surveyed 20 different body regions in 10 volunteers, feel the biodiversity of bacteria is important to balancing our health. Research scientist Julia A. Segre explains the relationship between healthy and harmful bacteria like this:

"For example, 1.5 percent of Americans have MRSA [drug-resistant strain of staph infection] in their nose - but they don't show any signs of infection. Maybe it is that the other bacteria are keeping the MRSA in check and not letting it grow and create an infection. Or maybe it is because the MRSA is changing between when it's up in someone's nose and when it causes an infection."

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Health Tip: Protect Your Toothbrush From Bacteria

FitSugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:00:00 -0700

Environmental microbiologist Chuck Gerba studies the spread of viruses and parasites, and he made an interesting discovery about bathroom hygiene. Gerba found that every time you flush the toilet, your toothbrush gets sprayed with bacteria. Eww! Even if you put the lid down before pressing the handle, microorganisms are still ejected into the air landing on every surface in your bathroom. Although, you probably won't get sick because the bacteria dies when the toothbrush dries, it's a good idea to keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as you can. Placing it in the medicine cabinet or your vanity drawer is a good option. Other items you should store in drawers include contact lens containers, bars of soap, and other things you use on your body in order to protect them from harmful germs. I keep my toothbrush in the bathroom closet. Where do you store yours?

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Germaphobes: 5 More Things to Avoid

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:00:00 -0700

So I've already told you about five places and things that are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. As if that wasn't enough to gross you out and make you never want to touch anything again, here are five more.

Airplanes and flight attendants. They are exposed to thousands of people's germs each day, and it's a great way to catch a cold. Everything you touch from the seatbelt, to the armrests, to the bathroom faucets, can contain stuff you don't want in your body, so keep some of that antibacterial liquid in your carry-on bag and use it often.
Your bed. Yep, it's a haven for dust mites. They live in your sheets, comforter, and mattress, feed on your dead skin cells, and many people are allergic to their fecal matter and dead bodies. So wash your sheets and comforter often, and place an allergy cover on your mattress to prevent dust mites from getting in.
The lemon, lime, or orange wedge in your drink. This seems innocent enough, but in a 2007 study, 70 percent of the fruit slices tested at restaurants contained one or more of 25 different disease-causing microbes, including E. coli and fecal bacteria. So next time, just order plain water.

What else should you watch out for? To find out read more

Your contact lens case. In a 2007 study, 34 percent of lens cases tested had creepy germs such as Serratia and Staphylococcus aureus. These can cause an inflammatory eye disease called keratitis, which can damage your cornea and result in blindness. So be sure to rinse your case every day with hot water, and it's a good idea to buy a new case every three months.
Your shower curtain. I'm sure you've noticed that layer of nasty brownish soap scum on your vinyl curtain, and aside from looking gross, it's also a breeding ground for germs. Since vinyl shower curtains are a pain to scrub down and clean thoroughly, it's recommended to use a fabric shower curtain instead. That way you can pop it in the washing machine once a month and blast away the germs with soap and hot water.

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Germaphobes, Avoid These Five Things

FitSugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Germs definitely freak me out because I hate getting sick, especially in the Spring and Summer. If you feel the same way, then you may want to disinfect these five things, or avoid touching them altogether:

Your vacuum. Since you're sucking up germs, dirt, and other nasty things, vacuums aren't exactly clean. Actually, scientists found that 50 percent of vacuum brushes contained fecal bacteria and 13 percent had E. coli. All contained mold. Since the brush is so gross, to avoid contaminating clean surfaces, spray the brush with a disinfectant spray after you're done with it.
Your weightlifting gloves. Staph infections bind strongly to the polyester, which is often used to make gloves. It's best to ditch the gloves altogether, since not only will you avoid bacteria, but you'll also strengthen your grip.
Gym Equipment. If you belong to a gym, you might want to know that a 2006 study in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine found rhinoviruses (what cause colds) on 63 percent of the gym equipment at the fitness centers they tested. To avoid the germs, try not to touch your face, nose, or eyes while working out, and as soon as you're finished, wash your hands and face thoroughly to prevent getting sick.

What else contains tons of germs? To find out read more.

The grocery cart and basket. Think of all the hands that grip those handles. Eww. A 2007 University of Arizona study discovered that two-thirds were contaminated with fecal bacteria. More eww. Definitely pack disinfectant wipes with you and wipe the handles down before touching.
The restaurant menu, doctor's office magazines, and other public reading material. You think these are ever cleaned? Since cold and flu viruses can survive up to 18 hours on a surface, there's a good chance those germs can get passed on to you. Don't let the menu touch your plate or silverware, and wash your hands thoroughly before your food comes. Remember that the bathroom door handle isn't the cleanest thing in the world, so when leaving the bathroom, open it while holding a clean paper towel.

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Bad Breath? Could Be a Bug

FitSugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0700

For some people who suffer from halitosis (severe bad breath), it can be really embarrassing. It's often caused by the breakdown of bacteria in a person's mouth, which produces a foul-smelling sulfur odor on the tongue. Bad breath can also originate in the lungs or sinuses.

Now researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine have identified a specific tongue bacteria that causes chronic bad breath. I don't mean to gross you out, but they say that the bacteria known as Solobacterium moorei, can also be found in human feces. Um, eww.

In the small study, scientists collected samples by scraping an area of the tongue's surface in 21 people with bad breath and 36 without. This bacteria was found in every person who had halitosis. So now that researchers have discovered this bacteria, now they can help come up with treatments to rid people's mouths of it.

Fit's Tip: If you have an issue with bad breath, using a tongue scraper may help immensely.

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Bugged Out: Germ Quiz

FitSugar — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Germs lurk everywhere, but they do lurk in some places more than others. Take this germ exam to see how much you know about the germs lurking around you.

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Take the quiz

TSS: Are You at Risk?

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Most of the women I know use tampons when they have their periods. They're discreet, easy to use, and make things like swimming, exercising, and sleeping so much more comfortable. Once a month, I raise my bar of chocolate in thanks to the marvelous inventor of tampons.

If you use tampons regularly, you've got to be aware of your risk of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). This condition is rare, but since it is life threatening, you should know the facts.

TSS is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep) or Staphylococcus aureus (staph). These bacteria are common and cause conditions such as strep throat or impetigo. Rarely these toxins enter the bloodstream and can cause TSS.

Some researchers believe that keeping high absorbency tampons inside you for a long time can put you at risk because they become a breeding ground for the bacteria. Others suggest that tampons can stick to the skin inside of your vagina, and when you pull it out, the skin can tear or get scratched allowing the bacteria to enter the bloodstream. If that happens, it can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure, depriving vital organs of oxygen, which could lead to death.

Want to know what you can do to reduce your risk? Then read more

Don't use tampons at all.
If that's not an option, be sure to change your tampon frequently, at least every four to six hours.
Use the the lowest absorbency that you need. The higher the absorbency, the greater the risk.
Consider alternating between pads and tampons, and use pads when your flow is really light.
If you use a diaphragm, don't leave it in more than 24 hours.
If you use a cervical cap, don't leave it in more than 48 hours.

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Household Hot Spots: Where Does the Bacteria Lurk?

FitSugar — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Just when you thought you were safe, WebMD is here to tell you that your house may be germier than you think. Plus all those bacterial hot spots might not be where you would expect them to be.

According to a new study performed by The Hygiene Council, the common household toilet bowl is home to the most bacteria per square inch. Not surprising is the fact that the Hygiene Council is funded by Reckitt Benckiser, the company that makes Lysol. I find that almost as interesting as the fact that the area around the bathtub drain contains more bacteria than the bathroom floor.

Interested in seeing all the rankings? Then read more

1. Toilet bowl: 3.2 million bacteria/square inch
2. Kitchen drain: 567,845 bacteria/square inch
3. Sponge or counter-wiping cloth: 134,630 bacteria/square inch
4. Bathtub, near drain: 119,468 bacteria/square inch
5. Kitchen sink, near drain: 17,964 bacteria/square inch
6. Kitchen faucet handle: 13,227 bacteria/square inch
7. Bathroom faucet handle: 6,267 bacteria/square inch
8. Bathroom sink, near drain: 2,733 bacteria/square inch
9. Pet food dish, inside rim: 2,110 bacteria/square inch
10. Kitchen floor, in front of sink: 830 bacteria/square inch
11. Toilet floor, in front of toilet: 764 bacteria/square inch
12. Kitchen counter top: 488 bacteria/square inch
13. Bathroom counter top: 452 bacteria/square inch
14. Garbage bin: 411 bacteria/square inch
15. Dish towel: 408 bacteria/square inch
16. Toy: 345 bacteria/square inch
17. Kitchen tabletop: 344 bacteria/square inch
18. Home office phone or refrigerator door: 319 bacteria/square inch
19. Toilet seat: 295 bacteria/square inch
20. Bathroom light switch: 217 bacteria/square inch
21. Microwave buttons: 214 bacteria/square inch
22. Kitchen chopping board: 194 bacteria/square inch
23. Child-training potty: 191 bacteria/square inch
24. Infant changing mat and infant high chair: 190 bacteria/square inch
25. Kitchen phone: 133 bacteria/square inch
26. Bathroom door's inside handle: 121 bacteria/square inch
27. Toilet's flush handle: 83 bacteria/square inch
28. TV remote control: 70 bacteria/square inch
29. Home office computer keyboard: 64 bacteria/square inch
30. Home office computer mouse: 50 bacteria/square inch

Now that I have turned you into a germ-a-phobe, I just want to remind you that the CDC recommends washing hand thoroughly for 15 seconds with soap.

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